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As the embassies exit Mayfair and Marylebone, their former bases will free up stunning family homes. While the move of many embassies to Nine Elms at Vauxhall is creating a new residential quarter including thousands of new apartments.
Fast new commuter routes are changing London's property map
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Brighton spotlight
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Canterbury spotlight
The compact city of Canterbury sits 60 miles south-east of London in Kent. In recent years its property market has been boosted by a high-speed rail service into St Pancras, which cuts the journey time to the capital to less than an hour.
Chelsea Flower Show preview 2013
This year the RHS Chelsea Flower Show promises to be suitably fabulous as it celebrates its centenary year with stunning gardens, including the Forget-me-Not Garden by B&Q and Prince Harry's charity.
Find a rated tradesman
Want to add value to your property, make your house a home, or sell your place fast? With 1,000s of tradesmen nationwide, rated and recommended by previous customers, this is the smart way to find a reputable tradesman.
Buy of the week: Stoke Newington, N16
This modern home of almost 1,000sq ft is close to Stoke Newington's high street. A 27ft reception room and two large bedrooms give the flat a spacious feel.
Out of town: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
The beauty spot of Leighterton, with its poppy fields, ivy-covered churches and popular local gastro pub, is home to this four-bedroom house with stone-walled gardens.
Life-changer: Dolwyddelan, Conwy
Have a station all to yourself by buying the Old Station Master's house at Roman Bridge, where trains will stop at your door on request. You also get three bedrooms and 10 acres of grounds.
Oxford spotlight
The small city of Oxford is famous for its university and honeyed stone architecture, but its huge range of property - from affordable new homes to luxurious Victorian houses - and one hour commute to London, are big attractions to home buyers.-
Buy of the week: Stoke Newington, N16
This modern home of almost 1,000sq ft is close to Stoke Newington's high street. A 27ft reception room and two large bedrooms give the flat a spacious feel. -
Out of town: Tetbury, Gloucestershire
The beauty spot of Leighterton, with its poppy fields, ivy-covered churches and popular local gastro pub, is home to this four-bedroom house with stone-walled gardens. -
Life-changer: Dolwyddelan, Conwy
Have a station all to yourself by buying the Old Station Master's house at Roman Bridge, where trains will stop at your door on request. You also get three bedrooms and 10 acres of grounds.
Property search
Herby couscous with roast chicken
This healthy family meal can be prepared and cooked within 30 minutes and can also be served with grilled fish or roast lamb, or alone for a tasty, meat-free dish
© Martin Poole/Easy Living
Herby couscous can be served with spring vegetables and roast chicken to feed the whole family
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Per serving: 264cals/8g fat
Serves: 4
Ingredients
*3 chicken breast fillets
*1 bunch asparagus
*150g couscous
*2 tbsp olive oil
*1 clove garlic, crushed
*1 courgette, thinly sliced
*1/2 long red chilli, finely chopped
*1 tbsp each of fresh flat-leaf parsley, basil and mint, chopped
Method
1. Heat the oven to 200°C (gas mark 6).
2. Cut each chicken breast into four long strips. Place the chicken and asparagus in a single layer in a roasting tin. Brush with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked.
3. Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. Pour on 300ml boiling water, cover tightly with cling film and set aside for five minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and cook the garlic, courgette and chilli, stirring, for about five minutes or until the courgettes are just tender.
5. Stir the cooked vegetables through the couscous, then add the herbs, tossing well to fluff up the couscous. Season to taste. Serve warm with the chicken and asparagus.
Recipe adapted from Easy Living. Visit www.easyliving.co.uk
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